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Substance group

What counts as Nitrites (E 249–250)?

2 markets define Nitrites (E 249–250), and they don't all agree. Read each definition below. You tell us if your product contains it; we never guess from its name.

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Group

Definitions

Market
Definition
Listed members
Source
Annex II Part C: E 249–250: Nitrites
Potassium nitrite, Sodium nitrite
“E 249–250: Nitrites”
Annex II, line 1633 (excerpt) · fetched 2026-10-09European Commission / Publications Office (CELLAR): Annex II, line 1633(opens in a new tab)
Annex II Part C (GB): E 249–250: Nitrites
Potassium nitrite, Sodium nitrite
“E 249–250: Nitrites”
Annex II, line 707 (excerpt) · fetched 2026-10-10The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk): Annex II, line 707(opens in a new tab)

Rules

Rules that use these definitions

56 rules.

Requirement
Applies when
Effective
Source
LimitGB
Nitrites (E 249–250) as defined in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)

Limit 100 mg/kg (content basis)

Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).

  • EU food category: Traditional dry cured products. (Dry curing process involves dry application of curing mixture containing nitrites and/or nitrates, salt and other components to the surface of the meat followed by a period of stabilisation/maturation) [08.3.4.2]

Depends on: eu food category code

In force since 20 Jan 2010

Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010

Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.

From the official list: E 249-250 · Nitrites · 100 · (39) · only presunto, presunto da pa and paio do lombo and similar products: Dry cured for 10 to 15 days followed by a 30-to 45-day stabilisation period and a maturation period of at least 2 months; jamón curado, paleta curada, lomo embuchado and cecina and similar products: Dry curing with a stabilisation period of at least 10 days and a maturation period of more

LimitGB
Nitrites (E 249–250) as defined in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)

Limit 50 mg/kg (content basis)

Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).

  • EU food category: Traditional dry cured products. (Dry curing process involves dry application of curing mixture containing nitrites and/or nitrates, salt and other components to the surface of the meat followed by a period of stabilisation/maturation) [08.3.4.2]

Depends on: eu food category code

In force since 20 Jan 2010

Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010

Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.

From the official list: E 249-250 · Nitrites · 50 · (39) · only rohschinken, trockengepökelt and similar products: Curing time depending on the shape and weight of meat pieces for approximately 10 to 14 days followed by stabilisation/maturation

LimitGB
Nitrites (E 249–250) as defined in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)

Limit 50 mg/kg (content basis)

Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).

  • EU food category: Other traditional and traditionally cured products (including immersion and dry cured processes used in combination or where nitrite and/or nitrate is included in a compound product or where the curing solution is injected into the product prior to cooking) [08.3.4.3]

Depends on: eu food category code

In force since 20 Jan 2010

Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010

Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.

From the official list: E 249-250 · Nitrites · 50 · (39) · only rohschinken, trocken-/nasgepökelt and similar products: Dry curing and immersion curing used in combination (without injection of curing solution). Curing time depending on the shape and weight of meat pieces for approximately 14 to 35 days followed by stabilisation/maturation

LimitGB
Nitrites (E 249–250) as defined in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)

Limit 50 mg/kg (content basis)

Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).

  • EU food category: Other traditional and traditionally cured products (including immersion and dry cured processes used in combination or where nitrite and/or nitrate is included in a compound product or where the curing solution is injected into the product prior to cooking) [08.3.4.3]

Depends on: eu food category code

In force since 20 Jan 2010

Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010

Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.

From the official list: E 249-250 · Nitrites · 50 · (39) · only jellied veal and brisket: Injection of curing solution followed, after a minimum of 2 days, by cooking in boiling water for up to 3 hours

LimitGB
Nitrites (E 249–250) as defined in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)

Limit 180 mg/kg (content basis)

Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).

  • EU food category: Other traditional and traditionally cured products (including immersion and dry cured processes used in combination or where nitrite and/or nitrate is included in a compound product or where the curing solution is injected into the product prior to cooking) [08.3.4.3]

Depends on: eu food category code

In force since 20 Jan 2010

Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010

Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.

From the official list: E 249-250 · Nitrites · 180 · (7) · only vysočina, selský salám, turistický trvanlivý salám, poličan, herkules, lovecký salám, dunjaská klobása, paprikás and similar products: Dried product cooked to 70 °C followed by 8 to 12-day drying and smoking process. Fermented product subject to 14 to 30-day three-stage fermentation process followed by smoking

  • LimitGB
    Nitrites (E 249–250) as defined in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)

    Limit 100 mg/kg (content basis)

    Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).

    Applies when
    • EU food category: Traditional dry cured products. (Dry curing process involves dry application of curing mixture containing nitrites and/or nitrates, salt and other components to the surface of the meat followed by a period of stabilisation/maturation) [08.3.4.2]

    Depends on: eu food category code

    Effective

    In force since 20 Jan 2010

    Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010

    Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.

    Source

    From the official list: E 249-250 · Nitrites · 100 · (39) · only presunto, presunto da pa and paio do lombo and similar products: Dry cured for 10 to 15 days followed by a 30-to 45-day stabilisation period and a maturation period of at least 2 months; jamón curado, paleta curada, lomo embuchado and cecina and similar products: Dry curing with a stabilisation period of at least 10 days and a maturation period of more

  • LimitGB
    Nitrites (E 249–250) as defined in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)

    Limit 50 mg/kg (content basis)

    Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).

    Applies when
    • EU food category: Traditional dry cured products. (Dry curing process involves dry application of curing mixture containing nitrites and/or nitrates, salt and other components to the surface of the meat followed by a period of stabilisation/maturation) [08.3.4.2]

    Depends on: eu food category code

    Effective

    In force since 20 Jan 2010

    Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010

    Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.

    Source

    From the official list: E 249-250 · Nitrites · 50 · (39) · only rohschinken, trockengepökelt and similar products: Curing time depending on the shape and weight of meat pieces for approximately 10 to 14 days followed by stabilisation/maturation

  • LimitGB
    Nitrites (E 249–250) as defined in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)

    Limit 50 mg/kg (content basis)

    Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).

    Applies when
    • EU food category: Other traditional and traditionally cured products (including immersion and dry cured processes used in combination or where nitrite and/or nitrate is included in a compound product or where the curing solution is injected into the product prior to cooking) [08.3.4.3]

    Depends on: eu food category code

    Effective

    In force since 20 Jan 2010

    Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010

    Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.

    Source

    From the official list: E 249-250 · Nitrites · 50 · (39) · only rohschinken, trocken-/nasgepökelt and similar products: Dry curing and immersion curing used in combination (without injection of curing solution). Curing time depending on the shape and weight of meat pieces for approximately 14 to 35 days followed by stabilisation/maturation

  • LimitGB
    Nitrites (E 249–250) as defined in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)

    Limit 50 mg/kg (content basis)

    Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).

    Applies when
    • EU food category: Other traditional and traditionally cured products (including immersion and dry cured processes used in combination or where nitrite and/or nitrate is included in a compound product or where the curing solution is injected into the product prior to cooking) [08.3.4.3]

    Depends on: eu food category code

    Effective

    In force since 20 Jan 2010

    Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010

    Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.

    Source

    From the official list: E 249-250 · Nitrites · 50 · (39) · only jellied veal and brisket: Injection of curing solution followed, after a minimum of 2 days, by cooking in boiling water for up to 3 hours

  • LimitGB
    Nitrites (E 249–250) as defined in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)

    Limit 180 mg/kg (content basis)

    Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).

    Applies when
    • EU food category: Other traditional and traditionally cured products (including immersion and dry cured processes used in combination or where nitrite and/or nitrate is included in a compound product or where the curing solution is injected into the product prior to cooking) [08.3.4.3]

    Depends on: eu food category code

    Effective

    In force since 20 Jan 2010

    Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010

    Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.

    Source

    From the official list: E 249-250 · Nitrites · 180 · (7) · only vysočina, selský salám, turistický trvanlivý salám, poličan, herkules, lovecký salám, dunjaská klobása, paprikás and similar products: Dried product cooked to 70 °C followed by 8 to 12-day drying and smoking process. Fermented product subject to 14 to 30-day three-stage fermentation process followed by smoking

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